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Paper or Plastic?

A standard question at our local grocery stores here in North Carolina used to be, “Paper or plastic?” Now I’m more likely to be asked, “Is plastic okay?” Of course if I were on the ball I’d have my own cloth totes with me. Right? Recently I was totally surprised to have my purchases from one of favorite stores (that would be Target!) packed in a paper bag. Plastic was not an option. The same thing occurred at Marshalls, a discount clothing store. This happened while I was visiting family in Portland, Oregon. I have since learned that both Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, have paper bag legislation. I had no idea!

So why am I rambling on about paper bags? You guessed it! Today, July 12, is Paper Bag Day. It’s simply a day to stop and recognize the significance of an invention that has been around for years (the first paper bag machine was patented in 1852) and can easily be taken for granted. I say let’s also make it a day for teachers to share their favorite paper bag projects. Here are a few of mine. (Click the picture to find directions.)

i like paper bags. They’re easier to pack if you’re taught how to properly place the various items in the bags. When I was hired to work at Jewel food stores in the 60’s you had to have a class in packing groceries and ringing them up. Groceries were keyed in by hand. I was always put on the express line where I had one order completed and being packed and the second order on its way to be packed right behind. I hate having some else bag my groceries so I pack my own however everything is plastic bagged today, in recycled plastic bags that get thinner every time thy’re recycled. so i often double the bags to prevent them from ripping and sending your purchases all over the parking lot.

I love the various ways to make paper bag books, from very easy fold-in-half designs for little ones to complicated cut and fold designs with pockets, flaps and fold-outs for adults. I just designed and completed a 3-signature/2″ spine book within a Starbucks bag with the handles to tote it around.

My favorite paper bag craft has to be the turkey we make at Thanksgiving – long accordion folded legs and lots of feathers from the craft store. This always makes a fun bulletin board to go with our writing.

Separate the seams for a large writing surface for small groups to write with colorful markers words that rhyme, coins that equal a given amount, or courtesy words.
Roll strips of bags into logs, add flames of red and yellow tissue paper, then sit around the campfire to share compliments.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: DIANE BADDEN

Diane Badden is a former Mailbox classroom teacher. In her current role as Editor at Large, she shares her insights, knowledge, and enthusiasm for teaching and learning. She’s also the go-to-gal for chocolate!

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: KIM BRUGGER

Kimberly Brugger is a former early childhood teacher and managing editor of The Mailbox® Preschool magazine. As such, she can often be found in her office humming “The Farmer in the Dell” while slinging fingerpaint with crazy enthusiasm.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: KAREN BRUDNAK

Karen is the Managing Editor of Learning Magazine. One of the best parts of her job is getting to play with the many wonderful products available for teachers. She regularly remarks, "Gosh, I wish this had been available when I was in elementary school!" Karen has been with Learning Magazine for more than 15 years.